Food Hygiene Testing Services

Microbial and chemical contaminants can appear at any stage in your production chain and from a variety of sources, including raw materials, other foods, equipment, people or in your procedures. In order to produce safe foods you first have to identify and eliminate those contaminants.

However, you need knowledge of the underlying source of the problem to effectively remove contamination from your process production . Our food hygiene testing services will help.

Microbial contaminations

Our food hygiene testing services can include 16S sequencing with which we are able to recognize both living and dead bacteria. We analyse the findings and assess the species and characteristics of the discovered bacteria based on a deep understanding of microbiology, food chain management and food processing. This information helps identify contamination hazards and potential entry points to your product.

Chemical contaminations

Our chemical analytics provide information and guidance on the best processing settings to preserve important compositional properties. At NIZO we offer a wide range of diverse analyses, such as:

• Cereulide toxin analysis
• Lichensyn toxin analysis
• Surfactin analysis

Modelling spore growth & risk assessments

Through the use of predictive models of both spore inactivation and growth of various species, we can help you assess the risks of spore survival, growth and toxin production in finished products. We evaluate bacterial proliferation under various production and storage circumstances in controlled contamination environments.

In this way we can  provide evidence-based knowledge based on modelling and experimental assessment for building safer processes and products. In addition, we help you establish proper screening and verification  procedures before a batch is released.

Full service food hygiene testing services

We have all the resources and knowledge needed to assess the microbiological stability and safety of your products. We can make small batches and carry out complete challenge tests for viruses and other spoilers in our own, on site food-grade pilot plant.

Based on these findings, we can guarantee that you meet industry requirements for each type of product. Additionally, our food hygiene testing services may include an assessment of the effect  of your bio protection, fermentation or other methods of defence methods for infections and spoiler work.